Sumburgh-bound flight declares emergency

Eastern Airways.

A plane bound for Sumburgh airport declared an in-flight emergency. 

The Eastern Airways flight departed Aberdeen airport at 7am today (Tuesday) but had to return after reporting a “Squawk 7700”.

The distress condition means the flight is in serious or imminent danger and requires immediate assistance. 

Eastern Airways issued a statement after the incident, saying:  “Shortly after departure the crew of the BAe Jetstream 41 aircraft had an engine low oil pressure indication.

“Following safety procedures they elected to carry out a precautionary engine shut down, declared a Mayday and landed safely back at Aberdeen airport.

“The aircraft taxied back onto stand where the passengers disembarked by the steps.

 “We apologise to passengers for the inconvenience, but the safety of our passengers and crew is our number one priority.”

Aberdeen airport confirmed the flight returned safely at 7.40am.

According to Flightradar24.com,  the plane travelled almost as far as Fraserburgh on the north coast before turning back.

It  circled several times above the Inverurie area, descending below 2,000ft, before completing its return to Aberdeen.

Eastern Airways operates regular flights between Aberdeen and Sumburgh to transport offshore rig workers.